Steven Reid: Affinity with players will be key

STEVEN REID says his connection with the players will be crucial as he takes up his new job as first-team coach at Crystal Palace.

Reid, 36, only finished playing two years ago. With manager Roy Hodgson and his assistant Ray Lewington 70 and 61 respectively, Reid's youth and affinity with the players will be key at Selhurst Park.

"I have played against most of the lads in the dressing room, which might be a little bit strange for those, but hopefully I have still got that connection," the former Republic of Ireland midfielder told the Croydon Advertiser.

"I only finished playing two years ago and played in the Premier League for the majority of my career, and been in situations like we are in now, when we need to get points and we need to start climbing the table. There's that link there and that connection between us.”

Reid, who completed his Uefa Pro Licence in Poland during the summer, worked under Hodgson as a player at West Brom. The Baggies were 17th when Hodgson arrived in February 2011, but he dragged them up to an 11th-placed finish.

"I worked with Roy before he got the England job and I know the way he works and I have got huge respect for him as a manager and as a person," Reid added.

“I’ve been in this situation and I've been in it when Roy joined the club at West Brom, so I know how he works, I know his methods well and I know that they can get results, so hopefully we can start moving up the table.

"I have played a few games here as an opposition player and I know how passionate the fans are, so to get the opportunity to work with firstly Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington, and the club, was a great honour for me. It's been fantastic. I was delighted to get the call to join such a great club and great fans.

"It was an offer that I quickly ripped their arm off and I am delighted to be here. "I have been here with Millwall sides and they were great occasions, and now I am focused on Crystal Palace."

Reid worked as first-team coach at Reading for two years before leaving in the summer.